With the release of Windows 10, which fixes many of the complaints people have had about Windows 8 and 8.1, Microsoft has also changed the default privacy settings to the least private possible. It also allows Microsoft to use your computer (and Internet connection) as a way to distribute Windows 10 to others.

Rather than go through all of the settings here, I will simply link to an article on Slate which takes you step-by-step how to restore some privacy to your data. Click here to read the article.